Top 10 Software Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for software analysts because they demonstrate their knowledge and skills to potential employers. They help employers make informed hiring decisions and can give job seekers an edge over other candidates who lack the same credentials. A certification may also qualify a candidate for higher-paying positions or access to more advanced technology. Certifications provide assurance that the applicant has been trained in the latest industry standards and practices. In addition, certifications show that a software analyst has made a commitment to professional development and is dedicated to staying up-to-date with new technologies.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Software Analysts and explains how they can help to further a software analyst's career.

What are Software Analyst Certifications?

Software analyst certification is a professional certification that provides an individual with the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective software analyst. Software analysts are responsible for understanding customer needs, analyzing and designing software solutions, and ensuring the quality of software applications. This certification helps individuals demonstrate their proficiency in these areas and prove to potential employers that they have the necessary skills to be successful in their job.

Certification can also provide individuals with additional career opportunities as it is a signal of mastery of the profession. With this certification, individuals can expect to receive better job offers, higher salaries, and increased job security. Additionally, having this credential on your resume may open up access to more advanced positions or specializations within the field. Finally, software analyst certification can give you credibility among colleagues and clients, making it easier to collaborate on projects or secure business deals.

Pro Tip: When considering a software analyst certification, make sure to research the certifying organization and their requirements for certification. Check to see if the organization requires any additional training or exams in order to receive your certification, and make sure that the certification you are looking into is valid and recognized by employers in your field.

Related: What does a Software Analyst do?

Top 10 Software Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Software Analysts today.

1. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in software quality assurance. It is intended to help employers identify qualified professionals who can effectively manage software projects and ensure that they meet quality standards.

The CSQA certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of software development processes, quality assurance methods, and related topics. To earn the certification, applicants must pass a two-part exam that includes a written portion and an oral interview. The written portion consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as software engineering principles, project management, process improvement, and risk management. The oral interview covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication skills, and team building.

The CSQA exam typically takes between three to four hours to complete. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken but generally ranges from $300-$500 USD. To apply for the CSQA certification, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of experience in software development or quality assurance. Applicants must also pay a fee for the application process which typically ranges from $50-$100 USD.

2. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques associated with business analysis.

To receive CBAP certification, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including having at least 7500 hours of experience in business analysis within the past 10 years. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by IIBA. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 3.5 hours.

In order to apply for CBAP certification, applicants must first become a member of IIBA and then register for the CBAP examination. The cost of membership varies depending on the type of membership chosen; however, it typically ranges from $125-$225 USD per year. The cost to take the exam is $325 USD for members and $450 USD for non-members.

Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will become a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). This certification is valid for three years after which time recertification will be required in order to maintain it.

3. Certified Software Testing Professional (CSTP)

Certified Software Testing Professional (CSTP) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in software testing. It is offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). The ISTQB is an international organization that provides certifications for software testers around the world.

The CSTP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in software testing through a series of exams. The exams cover topics such as test design, test execution, defect management, and other related topics. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass all three levels of the exam: Foundation Level, Advanced Level, and Expert Level.

The Foundation Level exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $250 USD. The Advanced Level exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $500 USD. The Expert Level exam takes approximately eight hours to complete and costs $1,000 USD.

In addition to passing the exams, candidates must also demonstrate at least two years of professional experience in software testing or related fields before they can be awarded with the CSTP certification.

Overall, obtaining the CSTP certification can take several months depending on how quickly you are able to pass all three levels of the exam and meet the required experience criteria.

4. ISTQB Foundation Level Certification

ISTQB Foundation Level Certification is an internationally recognized qualification for software testers. It is designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in software testing, and it is the entry-level certification for the ISTQB Certified Tester program.

The ISTQB Foundation Level Certification exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as the fundamentals of testing, test design techniques, test management, and tools support for testing.

To get certified, you must first pass the ISTQB Foundation Level Exam. To take the exam, you must register with an accredited training provider or examination institute. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location and provider but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from ISTQB confirming your Foundation Level Certification status. This certification is valid for life and does not require any additional maintenance or renewal fees.

5. Certified Agile Requirements Practitioner (CARP)

Certified Agile Requirements Practitioner (CARP) is an internationally recognized certification program for professionals who are involved in requirements gathering and management. The CARP program was developed by the International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile), which is a global organization that provides certifications, training, and education related to agile methodologies.

The CARP certification is designed to help professionals develop their skills in gathering and managing requirements using agile methodologies. It covers topics such as user stories, acceptance criteria, backlogs, product visioning, stakeholder analysis, and more. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of agile requirements practices through a combination of written exams and practical exercises.

The CARP certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete. Candidates must first pass the ICAgile Certified Professional – Agile Requirements Certification exam before they can apply for the CARP program. Once accepted into the program, candidates must complete two online courses: "Agile Requirements Foundations" and "Agile Requirements Practices". After completing these courses, they must then pass the final ICAgile Certified Professional – Agile Requirements Certification exam.

The cost of the CARP certification varies depending on where you take it from but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

6. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

A Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is an individual who has been trained and certified in the Scrum framework for product development. The CSPO certification is awarded by the Scrum Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides education and certification for professionals working with the Scrum methodology.

The CSPO certification requires individuals to attend a two-day course on the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles, ceremonies, artifacts, and principles. After completing the course, individuals must pass an online assessment to receive their certification.

The cost of the CSPO certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally, it costs around $1,000 USD for the two-day course and exam fees.

In order to maintain your CSPO certification, you must participate in continuing education activities every two years. This can include attending conferences or workshops related to Scrum or taking additional courses offered by the Scrum Alliance.

7. PMI-PBA Certification

PMI-PBA (Project Management Institute – Professional in Business Analysis) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage business analysis activities and deliver successful projects. The PMI-PBA certification demonstrates that an individual has the experience and expertise needed to successfully analyze, document, and communicate requirements for business solutions.

The PMI-PBA exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must answer at least 106 questions correctly in order to pass the exam. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the PMI-PBA certification, candidates must meet certain criteria:

• Have a minimum of seven years of professional business analysis experience;
• Have at least 35 contact hours of formal education in business analysis;
• Hold a current Project Management Professional (PMP)® or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification; or
• Hold a current Certified ScrumMaster® or Certified Scrum Product Owner® certification from Scrum Alliance.

To get the PMI-PBA certification, candidates must first register with PMI and pay an application fee of $435 for members ($495 for nonmembers). Once registered, candidates can then purchase the exam voucher from Prometric for $405 ($455 for nonmembers). After passing the exam, candidates will receive their official certificate from PMI.

The cost of getting certified as a PMI-PBA can vary depending on whether you are an existing member of PMI or not. In total, it can cost anywhere between $840 - $950 USD including registration fees, exam fees and any other applicable taxes/fees.

8. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and understanding of the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed for professionals who are involved in the implementation and management of Six Sigma projects and initiatives.

How long does it take to get it? The length of time required to obtain a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider, but typically takes between four to eight weeks.

How to get it? To become certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must complete a series of courses or training sessions which cover topics such as problem-solving, data analysis, project management, process improvement, and more. After completing the coursework, you must then pass an exam in order to receive your certification. Some providers also require additional experience or qualifications before awarding certification.

How much does it cost? The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $1,000 to $3,000 USD.

9. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that provides individuals with an understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed to help organizations improve their service management processes and IT operations.

The certification consists of two parts: a multiple-choice exam and a foundation course. The exam typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete, while the foundation course can take up to three days depending on the provider. Both components must be successfully completed in order to obtain the certification.

In order to get certified, individuals must first register for an accredited training program or self-study program. These programs are offered by various providers and typically cost between $500 and $2,000 depending on the provider and location. Once registered, individuals will have access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources that will help them prepare for the exam.

Once they have successfully passed both components of the certification process, they will receive their official ITIL Foundation Certificate from AXELOS Global Best Practice, which is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, individuals will need to renew their certification by taking either an examination or attending another accredited training program.

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective change agent within their organization. The certification program focuses on Lean Six Sigma principles, which are used to improve processes and reduce waste. It typically takes between four and six months to complete the certification process, depending on the individual's level of experience and commitment.

In order to obtain Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, individuals must first complete a series of courses and exams. These courses cover topics such as process improvement, data analysis, problem-solving techniques, project management, and leadership skills. After completing the courses and exams, individuals must then pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD for the full course package. This includes tuition fees for the courses and exams as well as any additional materials or resources needed for successful completion of the program.

Do You Really Need a Software Analyst Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a software analyst certificate to work in the field. However, having a certification can be beneficial as it can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field of software analysis. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the initiative to stay up-to-date with industry trends and have the necessary qualifications to perform the job.

A software analyst certificate can provide you with an added edge over other applicants who may not have one. It can prove that you are knowledgeable about certain aspects of software analysis and demonstrate that you possess the required skills for the position. Having a certification can also make it easier for employers to identify qualified applicants and help them decide who is best suited for their organization.

In addition, earning a certificate demonstrates commitment to professional development and can open up new opportunities for career advancement or higher pay. Many organizations will pay more for employees who have certifications, so having one could lead to better job offers and higher salaries.

Finally, having a software analyst certificate signifies a level of expertise in the field that may be hard to find elsewhere. It shows potential employers that you are dedicated to staying current on industry trends and have taken steps to develop your skills as a software analyst. A certification also serves as evidence of continued education in the field and provides employers with proof that you are committed to learning new technologies and improving your abilities as an analyst.

Overall, while there is no requirement for having a software analyst certificate, it can be beneficial when seeking employment or trying to advance within an organization. Having this type of certification can give you an extra edge over other applicants by showing potential employers that you are knowledgeable about certain aspects of software analysis and possess all of the necessary qualifications needed for success in this role.

Related: Software Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Software Analyst Certifications

Q1. What types of certifications are available for software analysts?

A1. Common certifications for software analysts include the Certified Software Analyst (CSA) certification from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) from IIBA, and Certified Systems Analyst (CSA) from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Q2. How long does it take to complete a software analyst certification program?

A2. It typically takes anywhere between 6 months to 2 years to complete a software analyst certification program depending on the level of certification and experience desired.

Q3. What type of job opportunities can I pursue with a software analyst certification?

A3. With a software analyst certification, you can pursue roles such as business analyst, systems analyst, requirements engineer, or project manager in a variety of industries including finance, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.

Q4. What skills are needed to become a successful software analyst?

A4. The most important skills for success as a software analyst include problem-solving abilities, technical aptitude, communication and collaboration skills, organizational skills, and knowledge of relevant development languages and toolsets.

Q5. How much do certified software analysts earn?

A5. According to PayScale data from 2020, the average salary for certified software analysts is $84K per year in the United States with salaries ranging from $53K to $118K depending on experience level and location.